Communing with Nature

Visiting Puerto Rico has something for every kind of enthusiast. If you are a nature-buff there is a lot in store for you too. El Yunque Rainforest is a place of pride for most Puerto Ricans and is even up for nomination as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. It is a massive oasis of greenery and has what is called The Anvil. This is a reference to a flat peak that looks like the anvil of some ancient deity. This rainforest holds more than 150 native fern species and over 240 spectacular species of tree. Enter its portals and you will hear the musical sound of the coquí tree frog, the occasional Puerto Rican parrot as well as the pygmy anole.

Puerto Rico has a number of biobays and one that you must visit is the Vieques Biobay. Puerto Rico is home to 3 of the world’s approximately 7 biobays. The name comes from the phosphorescence given out by a dense collection of creatures called dinoflagellates that emit light when they are disturbed. Visit the Vieques Mosquito Bay where their population is the highest and the effect of the green glow will mesmerize you.

Another must-see place for natural wonders is the Río Camuy Caves. This is one the world’s largest system of caves. Their existence is thanks to the world’s third largest underground river. When you journey to this place you will find that the walls are smooth and sculpted. They are illuminated naturally thus making exploring easier. For the more adventurous, caving could be an option to indulge in.

For those would like to see what the ravages of nature can do, head on to Palominito Island. In 1998, exactly half of this island was destroyed by Hurricane Georges. What is left behind today is a small patch of land with greenery and a pristine beach to look at on the other side. Many boaters find this a great place to head to. For those who love diving, there is no other better destination that the Parguera wall. This is located off the Southwest coast, near La Parguera. This wall is spread over 22 miles and has a multitude of beautiful drop-offs affording you visibility of more than 60 to 150 feet. The massive amount of diversity in marine life that you will be witness to is unbelievable.

And finally, the Guánica Dry Forest is a natural gold mine in its own right. As a sub-tropical dry forest it is considered a United Nations Biosphere Reserve. It has over 10,000 acres of arid land that is home to over 600 rare flora and fauna and over 48 endangered species, 16 of which are unique to Puerto Rico.